Hoops preview: Dixie State at Hawaii Pacific

Dixie State University (11-0) v. Hawaii Pacific University (8-2) at Blaisdell Center, 8 p.m. (MDT) at Honolulu, Hawaii
Broadcast: ESPN Radio 106.1 FM

SEA WARRIORS
hpuCoach: Darren Vorderbruegge
Record: 8-2 (3-1 Pacific West)
Streak: 5 wins
PPG: 75.9
PAPG: 69.4
Probable starters: Justin Long (G, 6’0″), Malte Ziegenhagen (F, 6’4″), Darry Jones, Jr. (G, 6’2″), Farbod Farman (C, 6’11″), Leif Rodney (F, 6’8″)
Other key contributors: John Horowitz (F, 6’6″), Rema Lascelles (F, 6’6″), Jordan Garrett (F, 6’8″), Colfax Nordquist (F, 6’3″)

RED STORM
dsulogoCoach: Jon Judkins
Record: 11-0 overall, 5-0 in Pac West Conference
Streak: 11 wins
PPG: 84.2
PAPG: 75.6
Probable starters: Kimball Payne (G, 6’0″), DeQuan Thompson (G, 6’3″), Jordan Rex (C, 6’9″), Zach Robbins (F, 6’10″), Dalton Groskreutz (F, 6’6″)
Other key contributors: Mason Sawyer (G, 5’10″), Louis Garrett (F, 6’6″), Curtis Papenfuss (F, 6’8″), Robbie Nielson (G, 6’4″), Landon Clegg (G, 6’4″)

Game outlook: Hawaii Pacific is riding a 5-game winning streak into tonight’s contest. The Sea Warriors are very similar to Chaminade, with a quick point in Long, and excellent shooting wings in Ziegenhagen, Jones and Horowitz. Their post players are active on both ends of the floor. They share three common opponents. HPU defeated Central Washington while losing to Chaminade and Seattle Pacific. There is a huge contrast in styles as Dixie likes to apply the gas. HPU is more apt to play a half-court game and hustle back on defense. HPU has not scored any points on the fast break since the game against Seattle Pacific Nov. 23. But in that 8-game span, the Warriors have limited their opponents to six total fast-break points. The question will be how will Dixie respond to its 1-point victory over Chaminade Saturday night. Dixie played very well against a tough opponent in an emotion-heightened victory. With a quick two-day turnaround, Dixie will not only have to adjust to a different playing style, (Chaminade has a similar full-court game as Dixie) but they will also have to prepare mentally and not suffer through lackadaisical play after a big win. To be sure, HPU will bring its best game, as Dixie State now has the target on its back with the national ranking.

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